Home Buying and

Home Buying and Selling How to stay safe during the COVID-19 crisis

Curtis Burchett, REALTOR

Stay at home orders, quarantine regulations and other concerns have many people questioning what is and is not possible during this COVID-19 pandemic. Real estate transactions have been deemed as essential business, and REALTORS understand that we have a special responsibility and opportunity to continue operations while we adapt to these extraordinary circumstances.

We’re taking all the necessary precautions when meeting with clients and showing properties - maintaining social distancing and minimizing touching objects. We provide gloves and masks (as are many sellers) and ask that folks try to minimize their presence in a home while still viewing all the necessary rooms and amenities before an offer. When we show properties, we ask clients not to touch things, or bring outside family members with them. If children do come, we’re asking the parents to keep them close by at all times. We advise our sellers to leave doors to bathrooms and closets open when they know we have a showing to minimize hands touching surfaces.

Overall, we’re experiencing a tremendous increase in internet traffic to home listing websites. Whether it’s from bored folks trapped at home doing research on their dream home, or those truly in the market, internet traffic is significantly up.

What does this mean for buyers and sellers? It is still possible to buy a new home and sell your home

during this time. There are a few important things we’ve discovered. During this time, we’ve discovered planning and preparation are crucial. Here’s an outline for both buyers and sellers on how to be prepared for the best outcome.

For sellers: Remember when I mentioned that internet traffic is significantly up? What this means is that when you list your home, it’s crucial that the home is Open House Ready from the start. Right now, it’s more important than ever to get it right — the right preparation and the right price. You want it to photograph well, and you should plan to take care of any to-dos before you list the home. More houses are selling very quickly first day or the first week more than ever before if they’re priced right and prepped right. If you do that, the pain of having your house on market is minimized by selling rather quickly.

I’ve recommended that sellers purchase hand sanitizer to have available, and also to have gloves and/ or booties at the door. I have also had sellers put a sign asking viewers to minimize touching as much as possible. Finally, I encourage all my sellers to wipe the house down if they’ve had a showing that day.

For those looking to buy a home, almost all REALTORS are capable of conducting tours virtually via FaceTime or Zoom if you prefer. Personally, I used to drive my buyers in my car to look at three or four houses and discuss showings in between. For everyone’s protection now, now we go in individual cars — and are having that conversation on the phone between houses, then we wrap up in person or via email. If you’re serious about buying, I strongly advise doing the preparation and planning ahead of time. Have a prequalification letter from your lender ready, be ready to buy and be ready to jump if you see something you like. Inventory right now is low, and for the first time in a long while, we’re seeing multiple bids on top properties, many selling on the first day on the market! I know of one home that within 24 hours had seven showings and four offers to contract. You also want to make sure that you’re working with an agent that has hourly knowledge of inventory so you don’t fall in love with something that’s already under contract.

Times are different, but we will prevail and do what we can to continue our way of life. If you have any questions about how you can stay safe and still find the home of your dreams, talk with your REALTOR to develop a plan that allows you peace of mind.

Anxiety in Children

Compared to years past, when parents and caregivers were better able to shelter children from some of the horrors of everyday life, children today often have access to this information right at their fingertips. With the popularity of smartphones, they can see and hear things that they’re not always equipped to handle. Also, children are facing issues that are hard even for adults to comprehend, such as active shooter drills in school and global pandemics.

So it’s no wonder that children are increasingly experiencing anxiety issues that go way beyond the fear of failing a test or not getting chosen for their favorite school sports team. Some parents aren’t even aware that their children are suffering. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is a great resource for professionals, parents, and caretakers when it comes to dealing with kids’ mental health issues. Its site, aacap. org, is full of up-to-date and insightful information.

But how can you tell if your child needs help? Here are some signs that may present themselves when children are experiencing anxiety:

Separation anxiety — not the normal kind, like when a child goes to school for the first time or is left with a new babysitter. And this issue can begin at any time, no matter the child’s age.

Unrealistic or extreme fear of routine

occurrences, like seeing a doctor, going for a ride in the car, or encountering insects or animals.

Social avoidance — being afraid to see other people or go to areas where they congregate.

Repeated intense physical reactions, such as breaking out in a sweat, a pounding heart, trouble breathing, and/or feeling dizzy.

Constant and exaggerated worry about the future or a feeling of impending door or dying.

Headaches, stomachaches, and other ailments that occur often.

Of course, many children can suffer from these issues occasionally and not have an anxiety disorder. Fear and uncertainty are a normal part of growing up. But if the above signs and symptoms happen on a continual basis, the child needs more help than just being reassured that everything is going to be okay. And it’s imperative that parents don’t minimize children’s fears or dismiss them as ridiculous, no matter how farcical they may be. Acknowledging that they feel this way and

Anxiety in Children What parents need to know by Susan Baldani

are legitimately frightened gives children a sense of security that you will help them through this situation.

Anxiety can also cause changes in behavior that can sometimes mask the signs of anxiety and/or depression. Parents may just think their children are being willful or disobedient instead. Here are some symptoms that may occur when children are anxious or sad: Anger Irritability Trouble sleeping Self-injury or self-destructiveness, such as cutting or abstaining from food Inattentiveness Unwillingness to take part in things they once enjoyed Crying or feeling sad Exhaustion

It’s important to stay on top of these situations, since anxiety and depression go hand in hand. Steps parents can take to help their children manage their fears include:

Speak with your child’s primary

healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical issues that may be causing or exacerbating the issues (for example, trouble focusing could be due to attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD).

Ask for a referral to a mental health

specialist. Work with this specialist to determine a treatment plan for your child. This may include a combination of individual and family therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Devise an exercise plan to help manage and decrease stress levels.

Have your child draw his or her fears

on paper so they have somewhere to put them.

Follow the recommended amount of sleep

guidelines based on age, and ensure your child is getting that amount every night. Include foods with high nutritional values, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean proteins, and beans; keep sugar and caffeine to an absolute minimum.

Let school administrators and teachers

know what types of therapy are taking place so they can be involved as well.

Anxiety can last for weeks or years, and many experts don’t know exactly why it happens to some people and not others. Of course, some obvious things like a traumatic event can set it off, such as losing a parent, being bullied or abused, or living in a household with high levels of stress. There is believed to be a biological component, as well. However, anxiety often develops from out of the blue.

Parents should not waste time blaming themselves and/or feeling guilty. Instead, reassure your children that they are loved and safe. Listen to their worries and talk each one through. Then come up with a plan to deal with the issues should they ever arise. Giving your child control of his or her fears can work wonders. Lastly, hug your children and promise you will always be there for them. It may not get rid of the fear, but it can make it make the world feel like a much less scary place.